AI Ballet Outfit Design 715

December 2012: A Month of Delicate Flourishes and Powerful Performances My darlings, how divine was November, wasn't it? I spent it twirling through Paris, the City of Lights, for the opening of *The Nutcracker* at the Palais Garnier. You all know my absolute weakness for Tchaikovsky - oh the magic of it all. And that Parisian audience, always so sophisticated and appreciative, showered the dancers with deserved bravos. The choreography was classic, of course, but there was a new lightness to it, an almost ethereal quality, thanks to the exquisite new costumes designed by the incomparable Chanel. I particularly adored the shimmering silver fabric, like spun moonlight, used for Clara’s dream sequence – it truly added to the fairytale quality of the piece.
Speaking of fairytale, have you heard the rumour that *Sleeping Beauty* is returning to Covent Garden after a five year absence? It's true, my dears. It premieres on the 15th December and I have already snapped up tickets for the opening night, wouldn't miss it for the world. Rumour has it the Royal Ballet is bringing in a new Principal, young and beautiful, to play Princess Aurora. She’s rumoured to have that magical combination of strength and fragility that makes this role so captivating.
I have to say though, nothing truly beats a night of classic Swan Lake. Now, I may be biased (after all, who doesn't adore this timeless piece?) but the Bolshoi's rendition in Moscow last week left me absolutely breathless. I know, I know, this company has a bit of a troubled reputation, but for this performance, everything just clicked: the choreography was beautifully executed, the costumes exquisite (I can never get enough of the shimmering black and white), and the lead ballerina was phenomenal. It truly brought out the beauty and tragedy of this story – a perfect balance of delicate grace and intense emotionalism.
But not all ballet has to be traditionally beautiful, my lovelies! In New York last month I was captivated by a new production of *The Rite of Spring* – and let's just say it was truly something else! Gone was the graceful Balanchine aesthetic, replaced by a wild, powerful, and somewhat primal approach to the work. The dancers, dressed in muted browns and blacks, moved with almost animalistic energy – a fascinating contrast to the familiar Stravinsky score. This truly broke down the traditional barriers of ballet, pushing its limits and exploring the raw, almost savage side of human expression. Yes, it was not your classic, aesthetically-pleasing ballet. But the sheer physicality and raw emotional intensity of this performance stayed with me long after the last notes faded.
So as we head into December, a time of frosty evenings and flickering lights, it is indeed a joyous time for ballet, with something for every taste: From the fairytale whimsy of *The Nutcracker* and the graceful beauty of *Swan Lake* to the raw passion of *The Rite of Spring* there is an artistic feast on offer for every discerning balletomane!
Now let’s have a closer look at what to look out for this month in the world of dance...
December Highlights: A Spotlight on International Ballet * **Berlin: The Staatsballett Berlin Opens with an Intriguing Fusion** > Speaking of breaking barriers, Berlin’s Staatsballett Berlin opens the month with a very intriguing new production: “*Echoes of an Unknown Tomorrow*,” which, if the rumours are to be believed, merges ballet with modern dance, using unconventional music by minimalist composer Philip Glass. One has to wonder whether this will appeal to a traditional balletomane but I am excited to find out, myself, when I make a stop at Berlin's magnificent, if slightly severe, Staatsoper at the beginning of the month. There is something alluring about challenging your notions, don't you think? * **Milan: The La Scala Premiere is a Symphony of Elegance and Power** > Of course, I shall be dashing to Milan as well, where the legendary Teatro alla Scala will be unveiling the newly staged *La Bayadère* by Marius Petipa – considered by many to be one of the most challenging classical ballets. I can only imagine what magnificent costumes will be unveiled - I’m thinking vibrant colours, flowing silks, glittering embellishments - a visual symphony of power and grace. Of course, we can expect the signature virtuoso dancing for which the Scala company is renowned, and that dazzling *Kingdom of the Shades* sequence which I have adored ever since I first saw it, when I was still a young girl learning the basics of pointe work.
**My December Pick: The American Ballet Theatre's Spectacular Fall Season** > But truly my lovelies, this month my focus is squarely on America's most esteemed company: The American Ballet Theatre. It’s that time of year again when their annual fall season comes to life in New York, and I would never dream of missing it. You all know that New York audiences are discerning and demanding, and the fact that the ABT company is a perpetual sell-out year after year speaks volumes about their calibre. They never disappoint! This year’s programme looks particularly exciting: There’s the timeless elegance of *Giselle* with a stunning new production designed by the brilliant Martin Scorsese - expect decadent costumes and breathtaking set designs! - then the dramatic, intense *Agon* with its intricate, mathematical choreography (I can never resist those wonderfully complicated footwork patterns) – then there’s the always popular *Swan Lake*! But this time around, I am told there is a thrilling, almost heart-stopping new performance of the Act Two coda. They've promised a whirlwind of technical precision and explosive emotional energy that promises to redefine this beloved ballet.
A Peek Inside My Dance Bag As December’s frosty chill sets in, it’s time to look to some truly warm and glamorous essentials. Of course, I keep a selection of luxe ballet wraps for keeping warm between rehearsals – cashmere, obviously, for that added touch of sophistication. I have been particularly taken with the new cashmere-lined, featherweight ballet jackets, from **[Brand Name]** - perfect for maintaining the silhouette even when the temperature dips! Then, for a luxurious touch, there is a divine new *black and silver ballet slipper* design, I picked up in Milan – and let's not forget a chic new travel trolley, to hold it all. My little indulgence for December? A pair of gorgeous silver and diamond toe-clips. The ultimate touch of elegance - I can’t resist sparkle, darling, can you?
And don’t forget my dears: if you are attending any performance this month, let's get glamorous. The ultimate elegance: a beautifully cut silk cocktail dress in navy and black or perhaps a daring, curve-hugging sequin dress – nothing is too bold or brilliant for ballet! But for that touch of understated elegance and timeless glamour – the perfect ballet dress: a little black dress, never goes out of fashion. You can pair it with stunning emerald-drop earrings, an emerald and pearl necklace, and perhaps a touch of glittery eye makeup to complement the performance's sparkle. After all, my dears, we should never lose our inner glow, whatever the season!
I can’t wait to see you all out at the ballet this December!